![](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/Chlorea-flickr.jpeg)
![](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/630waterbarons.jpg)
An ICIJ Investigation
The Water Barons
The explosive growth of private water utility companies raises fears that mankind may be losing control of its most vital resource.
![](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/Chlorea-flickr.jpeg)
- The explosive growth of three private water utility companies in the last 10 years raises fears that mankind may be losing control of its most vital resource to a handful of monopolistic corporations.
- In Europe and North America, analysts predict that within the next 15 years these companies will control 65 percent to 75 percent of what are now public waterworks.
- Companies have worked closely with the World Bank and other international financial institutions to gain a foothold on every continent, and have aggressively lobbied to force cities to privatize their water.
Australia
![the australian flag](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/australian-flag.jpg)
Feb 13, 2003
The big pong down under
Water Barons
![](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/CAMDEN-N.J-street-scene.jpg)
Feb 12, 2003
Water system troubles a troubled city
Water Barons
![The Canal Walk in Indianapolis.](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/indianapolis-canal-walk.jpeg)
Feb 12, 2003
Indianapolis opts to control its water
Colombia
![Bogota city, Colombia](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2018/11/Bogota-Flickr-rsmith4321-620w.jpg)
Feb 11, 2003
A tale of two cities
Philippines
![Manila in the Philippines](https://media.icij.org/uploads/2003/02/MANILA-Philippines-charles-deluvio-5HSHOq6BoPs-unsplash-scaled.jpg)